Internal Investigation Solicitors

At Carson Kaye, we understand the complications that an internal investigation can cause, particularly where allegations of regulatory breaches or criminal conduct have been raised. When you work with our team, you are choosing solicitors with specialist expertise in internal investigations. We’ll work closely with you to help establish your legal position and what steps need to be taken in the short and long term.

Whether you’re reviewing employee misconduct, health and safety, financial and regulatory breaches or governance failures, our expert internal investigations solicitors have the comprehensive experience needed to protect your interests. Our expertise and experience is reflected by our portfolio of clients in London and nationwide who rely on our team for proactive support when navigating complex workplace investigations.

Our corporate internal investigation solicitors can provide guidance with all types of workplace investigations, including:

Misconduct and Disciplinary Issues
Harassment and Bullying Allegations
Fraud and Financial Irregularities
Whistleblowing Claims

Contact our Internal Investigations Solicitors

Mishandled internal investigations could have serious consequences, so it’s vital that you’re proactive. Contact our expert internal investigations solicitors today by calling us on 020 8075 4147 or sending an email to info@carsonkaye.co.uk – one of our team will soon be in touch.

Why Choose Our Solicitors for Your Internal Investigation?

At Carson Kaye, we are committed to providing clients with bespoke legal advice that aligns with their general goals and objectives. This approach also allows us to build close relationships with all of our clients, improving the level of advice we can provide.

Our expertise is reflected by our Tier 2 ranking by leading client guide The Legal 500, providing independent recognition of our skills and expertise in handling criminal law matters, including those related to internal investigations.

Our corporate internal investigations solicitors in London have established a strong track record of success in a wide range of sectors, including concerning even the most complex investigations, for a nationwide portfolio of prestigious clients.

When to Conduct an Internal Investigation

An organisation should initiate an internal investigation proactively when a serious allegation, incident, or concern is brought to its attention, especially if it concerns a breach of company policy, regulatory guidelines, or the law. Prompt action is essential to protecting the business’s finances, employees, and reputation.

Typical triggers for an internal investigation include the following:

Allegations of misconduct
Reports of harassment
Suspected financial wrongdoing
Whistleblowing disclosures
Health and safety breaches
Data protection or cybersecurity
Failures in governance or risk management

Internal investigations are both preventative measures and reactive tools, and should therefore be treated as an initial port of call. Not only can an investigation protect your company’s interests and reduce liability, but it can also prove helpful when evidence is unclear, helping your business take the appropriate next steps to remain compliant.

Types of Workplace Investigations We Handle

Misconduct and Disciplinary Issues

When an employee has breached company policy or their contractual obligations, this can have a significant impact on your operations for varied reasons. Whether they’ve committed a breach of confidentiality, misused company property, behaved inappropriately towards clients or colleagues or have had unauthorised absence, we can help you get affairs in order.

Rest assured that our corporate internal investigation experts will ensure that even the most high-risk or complex cases are fairly investigated. We can assist with matters such as advising on legal frameworks that govern investigations and collecting relevant evidence, ensuring your investigation is both compliant and non-disruptive to your business.

Harassment and Bullying Allegations

Allegations of harassment or bullying can prove immensely disruptive to a workplace, driving colleagues apart and disrupting morale. No matter what the manner of the allegations may be, it’s crucial that you’re proactive in finding a resolution to maintain harmony in the workplace.

At Carson Kaye, our experts can deliver a non-disruptive, efficient solution that benefits all parties. We can investigate claims impartially and provide strategic advice on risk mitigations that will minimise the chance of your business suffering legal, financial, or reputational consequences.

Fraud and Financial Irregularities

Fraud and financial misconduct allegations are not to be taken lightly. The sensitive nature means that enlisting expert guidance is essential to protect your organisation’s interests, including freezing assets, securing IT systems and maintaining confidentiality. Our connections with forensic accountants and cyber experts mean your financial discrepancies will be traced with care.

Whether you’re investigating theft, embezzlement, falsifying records, bribery or breaches of financial controls, we can provide prompt and discreet assistance. With our expert oversight, our internal corporate investigation solicitors will ensure you do not compromise evidence or expose yourself to additional liabilities.

Whistleblowing Claims

Whistleblowing investigations occur when employees, contractors, or stakeholders raise concerns about wrongdoing that affects the public interest. This could fall within all manner of areas, including health and safety risks, environmental damage, criminal offences, regulatory breaches, or serious misconduct.

At Carson Kaye, our solicitors can provide bespoke support that ensures your business is able to uphold a positive culture of accountability. We can assist through advising on your obligations before conducting or supervising any investigations, ensuring any systemic failures uncovered are adequately addressed.

The Importance of Properly Conducted Internal Investigations

Enlisting expert guidance for your corporate internal investigation is vital to ensure that your organisation remains legally compliant, whilst remaining cautious of potential implications. A poorly handled internal investigation can expose your business to significant risks, including:

Legal exposure: If an investigation leads to disciplinary action but the process is unfairly handled, your company may face allegations of unfair dismissal or discrimination.
Reputational damage: Your organisation should be expected to consistently demonstrate accountability, and failure to address allegations such as fraud, discrimination or harassment can negatively impact this image.
Employee relations and morale: A mishandled process can damage morale, especially if staff fear the consequences of raising concerns in the future.
Regulatory consequences: If your organisation is in a regulated sector, a flawed investigation could lead to financial penalties, investigation by regulators or loss of licence in severe cases.
Compromised evidence and escalation of issues: If critical evidence is missed or undermined, it may be impossible to take effective action.

Therefore, it is crucial that corporate internal investigations are carried out diligently. Without instructing expert internal investigation solicitors, your business could risk severe consequences that extend far beyond the results of the investigations.

FAQs about Internal Investigations

How Do You Ensure an Internal Investigation is Fair?

Fairness is best achieved by following a clear, structured, impartial, and thorough process. This includes appointing an independent investigator, gathering evidence objectively, ensuring all parties are given the opportunity to present their accounts, and maintaining confidentiality throughout.

It’s crucial that investigations are based on facts rather than assumptions, with decisions backed by evidence. Engaging an internal investigation law firm can help organisations adhere to best practice and employment law standards, significantly reducing the risk of bias or procedural errors.

Can Internal Investigations Help Prevent Litigation?

Yes, a properly conducted internal investigation can significantly reduce the risk of future litigation. By addressing complaints or allegations promptly, thoroughly, and fairly, businesses demonstrate that they take concerns seriously and follow lawful processes. This can prevent escalation into grievances, employment tribunal claims, or regulatory action.

Moreover, a well-documented investigation provides valuable evidence if challenges do arise later, helping the organisation defend its position and often leading to earlier, more cost-effective resolutions. Avoiding litigation is vital in managing your organisation’s reputation, so being proactive is a must.

What Steps Are Involved in Conducting an Internal Investigation?

The process typically involves appointing an independent investigator, defining the scope of the investigation, gathering evidence such as documents, emails, and witness interviews, and analysing the findings. The investigator prepares a report setting out the facts and conclusions without recommending outcomes unless they are asked to do so.

Organisations must ensure confidentiality, impartiality, and adherence to legal and procedural frameworks throughout the process. Consulting expert internal investigation solicitors at every stage ensures compliance with employment law and minimises risk exposure.

How Long do Internal Investigations Typically Take?

The timeframe for an internal investigation varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the availability of witnesses and evidence. Straightforward cases can sometimes be concluded within a few weeks, while more complex investigations involving multiple allegations, large volumes of evidence, or regulatory considerations may take several months, so it’s important to consider contingency plans for your organisation in this time.